Care plans related to conditions affecting the musculoskeletal (bones and muscles) system are covered in this category.
Knee replacement surgery (knee arthroplasty) is a procedure that replaces parts of a damaged knee joint to relieve discomfort and resolve issues with mobility and ambulation. Artificial plastic or metal implants are used to replace worn-out bone and cartilage. Overview The knee joint is the largest joint in the body. The knees are involved in … Read more
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the lining of the joints (synovium), resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness. Symptoms occur bilaterally and in multiple joints. The hands, wrists, and feet are most commonly affected, though any joint is susceptible to RA. Additionally, the chronic inflammation caused by RA has the … Read more
Osteoporosis (OP) is a loss of bone density, leading to increased bone brittleness and fragility. The main concern with osteoporosis is the increased risk of fractures since the bones are porous and weak. Osteoporosis may not cause symptoms and patients may be unaware until they experience a fracture, sometimes from a very minor injury. It … Read more
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease and the most common type of arthritis. It is associated with the gradual loss of cartilage between joints and the formation of osteophytes or outgrowths at the margins of the joints. This causes pain and can lead to joint damage. The hands, knees, hips, and spine are most … Read more
The spinal cord is enclosed and safeguarded by layers of tissue known as the meninges and a column of vertebrae (spinal bones). It is responsible for transmitting nerve signals from the brain to the rest of the body. Damage that occurs to the spinal cord is called a spinal cord injury (SCI). An SCI may … Read more
Rhabdomyolysis is characterized by the breakdown of muscle that releases excessive myoglobin, creatine kinase, electrolytes, and other substances into the bloodstream. Toxic levels of these substances can lead to acute kidney injury and even kidney failure in severe cases. Other serious complications include compartment syndrome and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Overview Rhabdomyolysis can result from … Read more
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare neuromuscular autoimmune disorder characterized by fluctuating weakness of skeletal muscle groups that worsens with use and improves with rest. Pathophysiology Clinical features and treatment response depends on the types of antibodies present in MG. The largest percentage of patients have antibodies that attack the acetylcholine receptors (AChR), disrupting the … Read more
Gout is a type of arthritis characterized by elevated uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) and the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. This type of arthritis is known for its painful flares that can last up to two weeks following periods without any symptoms. Overview Gout primarily occurs when there is an overproduction of … Read more
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. Though healthy bones are typically resistant to infection, bacteria may enter susceptible bones through the bloodstream, directly from fractures or surgical procedures, and from infected surrounding tissues. Osteomyelitis may be acute or chronic. Acute osteomyelitis is most common and very serious due to its systemic nature. Chronic osteomyelitis … Read more
Hip fractures refer to a fracture or break in the femur near the hip joint. They are most common in older adults and are frequently caused by falls. Younger patients can also experience hip fractures, most likely from trauma such as a motor vehicle accident. Pathological fractures are caused by a disease process, such as … Read more